These Healthier Caramel Apple Pops are such a fun fall treat! 
They have all the flavors of a classic caramel apple (crisp apples, sweet caramel, chocolate, and fun toppings) but they’re made with a simple date caramel instead of traditional caramel.
They’re also so much easier to eat than a whole caramel apple! The apple slices are dipped in homemade date caramel, covered in melted dark chocolate, and finished with your favorite toppings.
These are perfect for Halloween parties, fall gatherings, school parties, or just a fun afternoon treat with the kids. And because everyone can choose their own toppings, they’re especially fun to make together
Caramel Apple Pops Ingredients
Apples: High in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, apples make a nutritious base for these treats.
Dark Chocolate: Rich in antioxidants and minerals, it provides a decadent coating with less sugar than milk chocolate.
Medjool Dates are the base of the homemade date caramel. They’re naturally soft, sweet, and have a delicious caramel-like flavor. Be sure to use pitted dates. If your dates aren’t already pitted, remove the pits before soaking.
Vanilla: A little vanilla extract adds extra flavor to the date caramel.
Nut Milk: Helps thin out the dates so they blend into a smooth, creamy caramel.
Toppings:
- Naturally colored sprinkles
- Chopped nuts
- Pretzel pieces
- Dried fruit
- Coconut flakes
- Mini chocolate chips
- Crushed freeze-dried fruit
- Pumpkin seeds
You can make every apple pop a little different!
Tips For Making Perfect Caramel Apple Pops
Use crisp, firm apples. Some varieties that work well include:
- Honeycrisp
- Granny Smith
- Pink Lady
- Gala
- Fuji
Granny Smith apples will give you the most tart flavor, while Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji will give you a sweeter apple pop.
Cut apple slices thick enough so that they don’t break when inserting the stick.
Secure the Sticks: Insert popsicle sticks firmly into the apple slices to prevent them from slipping during decorating.
Chill Before Serving: Allow the pops to set in the fridge for at least 10 minutes to set.
FAQs
What types of apples work best for apple pops?
Firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are ideal for holding their shape.
Can I make these pops dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free dark chocolate.
How do I keep the apples from browning?
As long as the cut part of the apple is completely covered in chocolate, the apples keep from browning.
Can I make these ahead of time?
As long as the cut part of the apple is covered in chocolate, these can be kept in the fridge in an air-tight container. I recommend enjoying them within 1-2 days for the best texture. The apples will gradually release moisture, so they’re best when they’re relatively fresh.
Other Apple Pop Recipes To Make:
These Caramel Apple Pops are perfect to make after apple picking! Tag me on Instagram at @healthyholme to show off your fall creation!
Caramel Apple Pops
Ingredients
For the Date Caramel:
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates soaked in hot water for 10 minutes
- ½ tsp vanilla
- ½ cup nut milk
For the Apple Pops:
- 2-3 apples
- 1 cup dark chocolate melted
- Natural sprinkles chopped nuts, pretzel pieces, dried fruit, coconut flakes, or other toppings
Instructions
- Soak the pitted Medjool dates in hot water for 10 minutes. Drain.
- Blend the dates, vanilla, and nut milk until completely smooth.
- Slice 2-3 apples into approximately ½-inch slices. Slice to the left and right of the stem so the slices are sturdy enough for the popsicle sticks.
- Use a knife to make a small slit at the bottom of each apple slice. Insert a popsicle stick through the slit.
- Dip each apple slice in the date caramel, tapping off the excess.
- Use a spoon to cover each caramel-coated apple pop with melted chocolate. Tap off the excess chocolate.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and immediately add your toppings.
- Refrigerate until the chocolate has hardened. Enjoy!
